Audio network as part of adapter or appliance

ABSTRACT

An audio network as part of adapter or appliance for an appliance performing a useful cycle of operation on an object unrelated to the delivery of sound media. The audio network comprises an appliance accepting a plurality of consumer electronic devices and sending acoustical signals from at least one of the devices to a remote speaker.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/650,222 filed Jan. 4, 2007 entitled “ACOUSTIC CHAMBER ASPART OF ADAPTER OR APPLIANCE”.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to household appliances. Morespecifically, the present invention relates to appliances that hostadditional useful devices.

For many U.S. families, a large amount of time spent in the home isspent in the kitchen. As a result, useful devices that are nottraditionally located in the kitchen are being brought into the kitchen.Devices such as stereos, televisions and DVD players are now commonlylocated in the kitchen, typically on a countertop adjacent thetraditional kitchen appliances.

One problem with bringing additional devices into the kitchen is thatthe devices take up counter space that is otherwise needed to performkitchen tasks. To free up this counter space, it is known to place atelevision into a door of a refrigerator. However, at this time, thecombination of appliances and other devices is limited to therefrigerator and television combination. Additionally, the devices arenot readily removable from the host appliance, and the host appliance isnot configured to receive different types of devices.

It would be an improvement in the art if there were provided anappliance that could host a variety of consumer electronic devices.

It would also be an improvement in the art if the host applianceprovided enhanced acoustical functionality.

SUMMARY

The present invention provides an appliance that provides enhancedacoustical functionality. The present disclosure also provides an audiosystem for a host appliance providing a primary useful cycle ofoperation on an object unrelated to the delivery of sound media.

One exemplary host appliance is configured for sending audio signalsfrom at least one consumer electronic device for use by at least onespeaker located remotely from the appliance.

In another exemplary embodiment, an audio network for an audio system,includes at least one consumer electronic device configured for sendingaudio signals, an appliance capable of conducting a useful cycle ofoperation on an object unrelated to the delivery of sound mediaconfigured for removably mounting a consumer electronic device, and aspeaker located remotely from the consumer electronic device configuredfor receiving the audio signal from the appliance. The host appliance isconfigured for receiving sending audio signals from the at least oneconsumer of electronic device and forwarding the audio signal.

In a variant of this embodiment, the appliance may have a serviceinterface to mechanically support the consumer electronic device. In afurther variant of this embodiment, the service interface may providepower or data to the consumer electronic device.

In another exemplary variant of this embodiment, an adapter may bemounted to the appliance comprising a service interface is capable ofreceiving an audio signal from the consumer electronic device andsending an audio signal to the speaker.

In still another variant of this embodiment, a wireless transmitter maybe provided to wirelessly transmit the audio signal from the applianceto the speaker.

In yet another variant of this embodiment, the speaker may be in a toeplate of the appliance. In still yet another variant of this embodiment,the speaker may be located in an adapter mounted to the appliance.

In another exemplary embodiment, a refrigerator appliance having acabinet, an interior in the cabinet for the refrigerated storage offood, and an exterior surface is provided with a first interface on theexterior surface capable of coupling mechanically with a consumerelectronic device producing an audio signal, a second interface on theexterior of the cabinet capable of coupling mechanically a speaker, anda media transmission system capable of delivering the audio signal fromthe consumer electronic device to the speaker.

In a variant of this embodiment, the interfaces may be located on a doorof the appliance.

In another variant of this embodiment, an adapter may be mounted to theexterior surface of the refrigeration appliance and coupled to the firstinterface. A docking port in the adapter may be configured toalternatively receive a plurality of different consumer electronicdevices, at least one of which produces an audio signal.

In yet another variant of this embodiment, an adapter may be mounted tothe exterior surface of the refrigeration appliance cabinet and coupledto the at least a second interface. A docking port in the adapter isconfigured to receive the speaker.

In still yet another variant of this embodiment, the refrigerationappliance may include a network port connected to each of the interfacesto deliver the audio signal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a partial, front elevational view of a host appliance and aholding device for holding a consumer electronic device and a speaker,where the holding device is mounted on the host appliance.

FIG. 2 is front elevational view of the holding device of FIG. 1configured to be hung from a top surface of the appliance.

FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of the holding device taken generallyalong the line B-B of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a front, exploded perspective view of a host refrigerationappliance incorporating an adapter for receiving a consumer electronicdevice and a speaker.

FIG. 5 is a side sectional view of an alternate embodiment of an adaptermounted in a door of a host refrigeration appliance.

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a host refrigeration appliancehaving a chamber and an audio receiver, where the audio receiverdelivers data to speakers that are received in the chamber.

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a refrigeration appliance having achamber and the consumer electronic device, where the chamber receivesan adapter for a speaker.

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of an alternate embodiment ofspeakers mounted on the top surface of a host refrigeration appliance.

FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of another alternate embodiment ofspeakers mounted on the top surface of the host refrigeration appliance.

FIG. 10 is a partial, front perspective view of an alternate embodimentof speakers mounted in a chamber located on a lower front surface of ahost refrigeration appliance.

FIG. 11 is a partial, front perspective view of another alternateembodiment of speakers mounted in an adapter to be received in a chamberlocated in a lower portion of a door panel of a host refrigerationappliance.

FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of a further alternate embodiment ofspeakers mounted in an adapter that is configured to be received in areceiving structure located on a top surface of a host refrigerationappliance, where the adapter permits multiple speaker orientations.

FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of a host refrigeration appliancehaving the consumer electronic device and an alternate embodiment ofspeakers mounted in an upper portion of a door panel.

FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of a host refrigeration appliancehaving the consumer electronic device and a receiving aperture forreceiving a speaker, where the speaker is remotely located from therefrigeration appliance.

FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of a host microwave appliance havingthe consumer electronic device and a speaker mounted in a lower frontface of the microwave appliance.

FIG. 16 is a front elevational view of a dishwasher appliance having theconsumer electronic device and a speaker mounted in a door of thedishwasher appliance.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the present invention provides a consumerelectronic device (CED) 20 that is mounted in a host appliance 22.Examples of portions of such systems or related systems are described inthe following related applications filed contemporaneously with theparent application to the present continuing application: U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/619,900 filed Jan. 4, 2007, entitled “A Systemfor Supplying Service from an Appliance to Multiple Consumer ElectronicDevices” bearing applicant's docket number US20060570; U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/619,754 filed Jan. 4, 2007, entitled “A Systemfor Connecting Dissimilar Consumer Electronic Devices to a Host” bearingapplicant's docket number US20060678; U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/619,836 filed Jan. 4, 2007, entitled “An Appliance with an Adapter toSimultaneously Couple Multiple Consumer Electronic Devices” bearingapplicant's docket number US20060679, U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/619,907 filed Jan. 4, 2007, entitled “Appliance with an Adapter toAlternately Couple Multiple Consumer Electronic Devices” bearingapplicant's docket number US20060680; U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/619,922 filed Jan. 4, 2007, entitled “An Appliance with a RemovableAdapter and a Removable Consumer Electronic Device” bearing applicant'sdocket number US20060681; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/619,894filed Jan. 4, 2007, entitled “A Host with Multiple Adapters for CouplingConsumer Electronic Devices” bearing applicant's docket numberUS20060682; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/619,806 filed Jan. 4,2007, entitled “An Adapter for Coupling a Host and A Consumer ElectronicDevice Having Dissimilar Standardized Interfaces” bearing applicant'sdocket number US20060683; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/619,817filed Jan. 4, 2007, entitled “A Host with Multiple Adapters for MultipleConsumer Electronic Devices” bearing applicant's docket numberUS20060684; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/619,845 filed Jan. 4,2007, entitled “Multiple Hosts with Multiple Adapters for MultipleConsumer Electronic Devices” bearing applicant's docket numberUS20060685 bearing applicant's docket number US20060685; U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/619,850 filed Jan. 4, 2007, entitled “AnAppliance Door with a Service Interface” bearing applicant's docketnumber US20060686; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/619,912 filedJan. 4, 2007, entitled “A Cabinet Door with a Service Interface” bearingapplicant's docket number US20060687; U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/619,873 filed Jan. 4, 2007, entitled “Refrigerator Dispenser with aService Interface and Adapter for a Consumer Electronic Device” bearingapplicant's docket number US20060688; U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/619,904 filed Jan. 4, 2007, entitled “A Service Supply Module andAdapter for a Consumer Electronic Device” bearing applicant's docketnumber US20060689; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/619,767 filedJan. 4, 2007, entitled “Host and Adapter for Docking a ConsumerElectronic Device in Discrete Orientation” bearing applicant's docketnumber US20060651; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/619,772 filedJan. 4, 2007, entitled “Host and Adapter for Selectively Positioning aConsumer Electronic Display in Visible and Concealed Orientations”bearing applicant's docket number US20060690; U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/619,775 filed Jan. 4, 2007, entitled “Host and Adapter forSelectively Positioning a Consumer Electronic Device in Accessible andInaccessible Orientations” bearing applicant's docket number US20060691;U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/619,718 filed Jan. 4, 2007, entitled“Functional Adapter for Consumer Electronic Device” bearing applicant'sdocket number US20060630; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/619,731filed Jan. 4, 2007, entitled “Adapter and Consumer Electronic DeviceFunctional Unit” bearing applicant's docket number US20060674; U.S.patent application Ser. No. 11/649,932 filed Jan. 4, 2007, entitledElectrical Accessory Charging Compartment for a Cabinet” bearingapplicant's docket number US20060668; all of which are incorporatedherein by reference in their entirety.

The CED 20 may, in some embodiments, be mounted in a host refrigerationappliance 22. While the following description will make reference to arefrigeration appliance as the host appliance 22, it should beappreciated that other appliances can be used to host the consumerelectronic device 20, such as but not limited to microwave ovens,dishwashers, washing machines, clothes dryers, and stoves/cookingranges. Further, while the following description will make reference to“consumer electronic devices” that transmit audio signals, such assatellite radios, high definition radios, and digital music players, theterm “CED” refers to any device that transmits data, including but notlimited to televisions, DVD players, CD players, personal computers,home weather stations, security systems, home environment controls,mobile phones, and baby monitors.

For all embodiments discussed below, it is contemplated that the hostappliance 22 can removably and interchangeably receive a plurality ofdifferent CEDs 20. Further, it is contemplated that the CEDs 20 can beof the type that transfer only audio signals. Further, it iscontemplated that for all embodiments of host appliance 22, theappliance can transfer data with the CED 20, and can also provide powerto the CED.

In a first embodiment, the CED 20 is held in a holding device 24 that ismounted to a front surface 26 of the host refrigeration appliance 22.The holding device 24 includes a generally rectangular body 28 with agenerally planar front face 30. Peripheral walls 32 are angled from aback panel 34 to the front face 30 to enclose the holding device 24,although other shapes of the holding device body 28 are envisioned. Theperipheral walls 32 preferably include an upper wall 35, a lower wall36, a first side wall 37 and a second side wall 38.

Preferably, at least one speaker 40 and the CED 20 are mounted into thebody 28 of the holding device 24, with the CED mounted above the speakeror vice versa. A side-by-side arrangement of speaker 40 and CED 20 isalso contemplated.

The front face 30 of the holding device 24 has a first aperture oraccess area 42 to permit the user access to the CED 20 mounted in thebody 28, including access to a user interface 21 of the CED, such as adial, an indicator or buttons, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4. A secondaperture 44 is formed in the front face 30 at the location of thespeaker 40 in the body 28 to accommodate a speaker grill 46. The speakergrill 46 is of a conventional design that permits the transfer of audiofrom the speaker 40 to the ambient. The front face 30 of the holdingdevice 24 can be removable from the back panel 34 of the body 28 toexpose the CED 20 and the speaker 40, and can include other controllers48 such as dials, indicators and buttons.

Inside the holding device 24 is an adapter 50 for docking the CED 20.Preferably, the adapter 50 includes first and second adapter chambers orcompartments 52, 54 configured to receive the CED and the least onespeaker 40, however the adapter can have one or more compartments.

In the preferred embodiment, the compartments 52, 54 are defined by aback surface 56, a bottom surface 57, a top surface 58, first and secondside surfaces (not shown) and a middle wall 61, which may be integrallyformed or formed in one or more parts. In this configuration, thecompartments 52, 54 are generally rectangular with one open surface 62opposite the back surface 56, and the first compartment 52 beingarranged above the second compartment 54.

The compartment 54 in the adapter 50 for receiving the speaker 40 isconfigured for enhancing audio functionality and quality generated bythe speaker. The enhanced functionality of the compartment 54 includesat least one of amplification, tuned frequency response, and sounddirectionality. In the adapter chamber or compartment 54, the speaker 40and its associated pressure fluctuations are preferably separated fromthe CED 20 to maintain a stable environment for the CED, and to providea robust acoustic environment for the speaker 40. While the abovedescription refers to the compartment 54 of the adapter 50, the samedescription can be applied to the alternate embodiments describedthroughout.

The compartments 52, 54 are preferably sized and arranged such that therearmost extremities of the CED 20 and the speakers 40 abut the backsurface 56. In the embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3, the back panel 34 isthicker at the location of the CED 20 than at the location of thespeakers 40. The back surface 56 positions the CED 20 to protrudeslightly through the open surface 62 and to the access area 42 of thefront face 30. The back surface 56 also positions the speaker 40adjacent the speaker grill 46.

While the preferred holding device 24 accommodates both the CED 20 andthe speakers 40, an embodiment that holds only the CED or only thespeakers is envisioned. In the preferred embodiment, the CED 20 is asatellite radio, however, it is contemplated that other CEDs could beused.

In one embodiment, the CED 20 is readily removable from the deviceholder 24 to enable the user to switch from one CED for another. Forexample, the user can remove the satellite radio and dock a digitalmusic player into the adapter 50. The adapter 50 may be provided withmultiple data connections (not shown) for different types of CEDs 20.Additionally, electronic adapters (not shown) could be provided to allowCEDs 20 having varying output devices (not shown), such as digital musicplayers made by different manufacturers, to be switched in and out ofthe adapter 50.

A mounting structure 64, such as a bracket or flange, extends generallyperpendicularly from the front face 30 of the holding device 24 to hangthe holding device from a top surface 66 of the host appliance 22. Inthis configuration, the back panel 34 of the holding device 24 abuts thefront surface 26 of the host appliance 22 and the holding deviceprotrudes from the front surface of the host appliance. Alternately, theholding device 24 can be recessed into a chamber (not shown) in the hostappliance 22.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a second embodiment of host refrigerationappliance is shown. Components shared with the first embodiment aredesignated with identical reference numbers in the 100-series. The hostrefrigeration appliance 122 includes a first cooling cavity 127 and asecond cooling cavity 128 that could be maintained at a differenttemperature than the first cooling cavity. In the preferred embodiment,one cooling cavity is kept above freezing and one cooling cavity is keptbelow freezing. A first door 129 and a second door 130 are located at afront surface 126 of the refrigeration appliance 122 and are associatedwith the first cooling cavity 127 and the second cooling cavity 128,respectively.

The host refrigeration appliance 122 has a chamber 170 formed into afront surface 126 of the appliance, which in the preferred embodiment isat a door 127 of the host appliance. The door 127 has an exteriorsurface 131 forming the front surface 126 of the host appliance 122, andan interior surface 132 enclosing one of the first or second coolingcavities 127, 128. The chamber 170 is disposed between the interiorsurface 132 and the exterior surface 131 of the door 127, and thechamber is substantially enclosed except at the exterior surface. Thechamber 170 is sized, shaped and arranged to enhance acousticalfunctionality.

Specifically, the chamber 170 is preferably configured to receive anadapter 150. The adapter 150 has a body 151 including at least onecompartment 152, and in the preferred embodiment, the adapter has afirst compartment that receives a CED 20 and a second compartment 154that receives at least one speaker 40. However, it is contemplated thatonly one compartment 152 for the CED 20 can be provided, and that thespeaker 40 can be located remotely. In the case of a remote speaker 40,the speaker can be connected to the host refrigeration appliance 122with a digital wired network, such as the Ethernet, a wireless dataconnection via a digital wired network, or an analog data connection,among other types of connections.

Similar to the previous embodiment, the adapter chamber or compartment154 in the adapter 150 for receiving the speaker 40 is configured forenhancing audio quality generated by the speaker. The door 127 isconfigured to support the weight of the speaker 40 in the chamber 70. Inthe adapter chamber or compartment 154, the speaker 40 and itsassociated pressure fluctuations are preferably separated from the CED20 to maintain a stable environment for the CED, and to provide a robustacoustic environment for the speaker 40. While the above descriptionrefers to the compartment 154 of the adapter 50, the same descriptioncan be applied to the alternate embodiments described throughout.

In the preferred embodiment, the first and second compartments 152, 154of the adapter 150 are defined by a back surface 156, a bottom surface157, a top surface 158, first and second side surfaces 159,160, and amiddle wall 161, which may be integrally formed or formed in one or moreparts. The resulting compartments 152, 154 are generally rectangular,however any shape of compartment is envisioned. An opening 162 islocated opposite the back surface 156, and a lip 164 is preferablydisposed around at least a portion of the periphery of the adapter 150.

The chamber 170 preferably has a receiving structure 134 configured toreceive the adapter 150. The adapter 150 likewise has a mating structure136 to be received by the chamber 170. Preferably, the adapter 150 nestsor positively engages the chamber 170, however any receiving structure134 and any mating structure 136 sufficient to maintain the adapter inthe chamber is envisioned. In the preferred embodiment, the adapter 150is generally rectangular and is received in the generally rectangularchamber 170, however additional retainers (not shown) may beincorporated with the receiving structures.

A recessed surface 138 is preferably disposed around at least a portionof the periphery of the chamber 170 to receive the lip 164 of theadapter 150. It is contemplated that additional retainers or fasteners(not shown) can be used to attach the lip 164 to the recessed surface138. Additionally, it is contemplated that removable retainers (notshown) can be used to attach the adapter 150 to chamber 170.

A docking structure 142 is located on the adapter 150 and is configuredfor receiving the CED 20. The CED 20 preferably has a correspondingdocking structure 144. Preferably, the CED 20 nests or positivelyengages the adapter 150, however any corresponding docking structure 144sufficient to maintain the CED 20 in the adapter is envisioned. In thepreferred embodiment, the first compartment 152 is generally rectangularand the CED 20 is preferably rectangular, however additional retainers(not shown) can be incorporated with the docking structures 142, 144.

The CED 20 is docked in the docking structure 142 by introducing the CEDinto the opening 162 of the compartment 152. In the preferredembodiment, the opening 162 is adjacent the exterior surface 131 of thedoor 129 when the adapter 150 is mounted in the chamber 170. In thisway, the CED 20 is accessible from the exterior surface 131.

Likewise, a speaker docking structure 147 is located on the adapter 150at the second compartment 154, and the speaker 40 has a correspondingdocking structure 148 to locate the speaker in the compartment. Anystructure that will sufficiently retain the speaker 40 in thecompartment 154 is envisioned.

The first and the second compartments 152, 154 are preferablysubstantially enclosed except at the opening 162. Specifically, thecompartment 154 housing the speaker 40 is preferably enclosed (except atthe speaker grill 146) to provide acoustic amplification and/orenhancement. Preferably, the walls 156, 157, 159, 160, 161 of the secondcompartment 154 securely hold the speaker 40 such that a sound emittingsurface 172 of the speaker is adjacent the front surface 126 of the hostrefrigeration appliance 122. Further, while a rear speaker structure 174preferably abuts the back surface 156 of the adapter 150, preferably afront speaker structure 176 is spaced from the back surface to eliminateor reduce noise created by vibration or reverberation of the speaker.

Since the surfaces 156-161 of the compartment 154 are preferably solidand contiguous, the speaker 40 located in the compartment is sealed offfrom an interior surface 132 of the host refrigeration appliance 122.Alternately, if the compartment 154 itself is not substantiallyenclosed, the adapter 150 when mounted into the chamber 170 cancooperate to seal off the speaker 40 from the interior surface 132 ofthe host refrigeration appliance 122. In either configuration, it ispreferred that the speaker 40 is sealed off from the interior surface132 of the host refrigeration appliance 122 in an air-tight manner.

The CED 20 is connected to the speaker 40 to transmit an audio signal.Such a connection can be accomplished in a number of ways, including butnot limited to an analog wired connection, a digital wired network, awireless data connection via a digital wired network, or an analog dataconnection, among other types of connections. It is contemplated thatall or some of the components necessary for the transmission of datafrom the CED 20 to the speaker 40 can be located in the adapter 150, inthe chamber 170, in the host refrigeration appliance 122, or in somecombination of the above components.

The connection between the CED 20 and the speaker 40 can be accomplishedwith any known data connection or interface. In the preferredembodiment, all components for the connection between the CED 20 and thespeakers 40 are located in the adapter. The CED 20 includes a firstaudio/data connector (not shown) which connects to a second audio/dataconnector (not shown) on the first compartment 152. The secondaudio/data connector (not shown) is connected to a third audio/dataconnector (not shown) on the second compartment 154, and the thirdaudio/data connector (not shown) connects to a fourth audio/dataconnector (not shown) on the speaker 40.

In an alternate embodiment, the connection between the CED 20 and thespeaker 40 includes a connection to the host refrigeration appliance122. Further, the host refrigeration appliance 122 may provide power tothe CED 20, or the CED may operate on battery power.

Over the top of the adapter 150 is an adaptive component 178, which ispreferably a generally planar plate 180 that hides the adapter. Theadaptive component 178 provides both an aesthetic service and permitsaccess to the CED 20 through an access opening 182. The adaptivecomponent 178 attaches either to the adapter 150 or to the hostrefrigeration appliance 122, and is preferably generally flush with thefront surface 126 of the host refrigeration appliance. Preferably, theadaptive component 178 is readily removable so that the user is providedwith greater access to the CED 20 and the adapter 150.

In one embodiment, the CED 20 is readily removable from the adapter 150,either by removing the adaptive component 178 or through the accessopening 182, to enable the user to switch from one CED to another.Additionally, universal connectors or electronic adapters (not shown)could be provided to allow CEDs 20 with varying output devices (notshown), such as digital music players made by different manufacturers,to be switched in and out of the adapter. Alternately, different typesof CEDs 20 can be interchanged into the adapter 150, such as a satelliteradio to a digital music player.

Referring now to FIG. 5, components shared with the previous embodimentsare designated with identical reference numbers in the 200-series. Achamber 270 is preferably formed in a surface 226 of a door 229 of ahost refrigeration appliance 222. An adapter 250 has a singlecompartment 252 configured for housing at least one speaker 40. Theadapter 250 is configured to be received in the chamber 270.

Similar to the previous embodiments, the compartment 252 for receivingthe speaker 40 is configured for enhancing audio quality generated bythe speaker. The door 229 is configured to support the weight of thespeaker 40 in the chamber 270. In the compartment 252, the speaker 40and its associated pressure fluctuations are separated from the CED 20to maintain a stable environment for the CED, and to provide a robustacoustic environment for the speaker 40. While the above descriptionrefers to the compartment 252, the same description can be applied tothe alternate embodiments described throughout.

The adapter 250 is preferably mounted in the chamber 270 to be flushwith or recessed from the front surface 226 of the host refrigerationappliance 222. A speaker grill 246 is preferably disposed over theadapter 250 and may protrude slightly from the front surface 226 of thehost refrigeration appliance 222. In alternate embodiments, the adapter250 itself can protrude slightly from the front surface 226 of the hostrefrigeration appliance 22. Further, the adapter 250 can be located in aholding device 24 that is hung from the top surface 66 of the hostrefrigeration appliance (FIGS. 1-3).

Similar to the embodiment of FIG. 4, the door 229 has a thickness “t”defined by an exterior surface 131 forming the front surface 226 of thehost refrigeration appliance 222, and an interior surface 232 enclosingthe cooling cavities 227, 228. The chamber 270 is disposed between theinterior surface 232 and the exterior surface 231 of the front door 229,and the chamber is substantially enclosed except at the exteriorsurface. The chamber 270 is configured to enhance and/or amplify sound.

The chamber 270 is defined by at least one chamber wall 155, which maybe formed in one or more parts. The specific geometry of the chamberwall 155 can vary, however, preferably the adapter 250 has a generallyflush engagement with the chamber wall.

The chamber 260 has a receiving structure 234 configured to receive theadapter 250. The adapter 250 likewise has a mating structure 236 to bereceived by the chamber 270. Preferably, the adapter 250 nests orpositively engages the chamber 270, however any receiving structure 234and any mating structure 236 sufficient to maintain the adapter 250 inthe chamber 270 is envisioned. The chamber 270 preferably includes arecessed surface 238 around at least a portion of the periphery forreceiving a lip 264 of the adapter 250. Additionally, it is contemplatedthat the adapter 250 is readily removable from the chamber 270.

A docking structure 247 is located on the adapter 250 and is configuredfor receiving at least one speaker 40. The speaker 40 preferably has anycorresponding docking structure 248 sufficient to maintain the speakerin the adapter 250.

The door 229 is preferably hollow and is filled with a pre-selectedmaterial in the region adjacent the chamber to support the speaker.Behind the chamber wall 255 is a first insulation material 284,preferably of a high grade. The first insulation material 284 preferablyextends within the door 229 at least around the vicinity of the chamber270. The first insulation material 284 preferably has higher insulationvalue in the door 229 in the region of the acoustical chamber 270 tominimize heat leakage from the chamber to the host, or from the host tothe chamber.

In the preferred embodiment, a rear interior wall 286 is formed along atleast a portion of the chamber 270 forming a back cavity 288 between therear interior wall and the interior surface 132. In the back cavity 288,a second insulating material 290 is disposed. The second insulatingmaterial 290 is preferably of even higher grade than the firstinsulating material 284. In an alternate embodiment, only one insulatingmaterial is used, and in a further embodiment, more than two insulatingmaterials are used.

The layers of insulation protect the speaker 40 (and/or a CED) from thetemperatures reached in the interior of the host refrigeration appliance222. Further, the insulation lessens the vibration of host refrigerationappliance components during use of the speakers 40.

Referring now to FIG. 6, components shared with the previous embodimentsare designated with identical reference numbers in the 300-series. Inthe embodiment of FIG. 6, the host refrigeration appliance 322 includesat least one speaker 40, and the CED 20 is located remotely from thehost refrigeration appliance. Similar to the previous embodiments, achamber 370 is located on a door 329 for receiving an adapter 350, andthe adapter has a docking structure (not shown) for receiving thespeaker 40. Alternately, the speaker 40 can be directly mounted to thechamber 370.

The connection between the remote CED 20 and the host refrigerationappliance 322 and/or the speakers 40 can be accomplished with any knowndata connection. In the preferred embodiment, a first audio/dataconnector on the CED 20 preferably sends an audio signal to a secondaudio/data connector (not shown) located at a receiver (not shown) atthe host refrigeration appliance 322. The connection between the firstand second audio/data connectors is preferably wireless. The receiver orthe second audio/data connector (not shown) then transfers the audiosignal to the speakers 40, through any type of connection known in theart.

In FIG. 7, components shared with the previous embodiments aredesignated with identical reference numbers in the 400-series. At leastone CED 20 is located in the host refrigeration appliance 422. The CED20 is either mounted directly into a chamber 470, or alternately, hasits own adapter 450 that is mounted into the chamber. A speaker grill446 is attachable either to the adapter 450 or to the chamber 470.

In the preferred embodiment, at least one speaker 40 is located in amain adapter 450 having at least one compartment 452. In one embodiment,the main adapter 450 is attachable to the chamber 470, as discussed withthe previous embodiments. In another embodiment, the main adapter 450 isattachable to a service interface 423 (a preexisting chamber 470 usedfor various services, such as liquid and ice dispensing) of the hostrefrigeration appliance 422.

The speakers 40 are connected to the CED 20 with any audio/dataconnector known in the art. In a first embodiment, the audio/dataconnector includes jacks and audio wire. Preferably, the audio/dataconnector includes at least one female jack associated with the serviceinterface 423 (or chamber), and connecting to female jacks of the mainadapter 450 with male-male jacks and wire. In a second embodiment, theaudio/data connector is a digital wired network, such as the Ethernet.In a third embodiment, the audio/data connector is a wireless connectionvia a digital wired network, such as wi-fi or blue tooth®. In a fourthembodiment, the audio/data connector is an analog data connection wherethe main adapter has a short range FM receiver which connects to thespeaker 40.

Referring now to the different speaker embodiments of FIGS. 8-14,components shared with the previous embodiments are designated withidentical reference numbers in the 500-series, and components differingfrom each other within FIGS. 8-14 are assigned sub-classes A-G.Referring specifically to FIGS. 8 and 9, two alternate embodiments oftop-mounted speakers 40A, 40B are shown. In both embodiments, thespeakers 40A,B have a low profile to permit the host refrigerationappliance 522 to be situated under overhead cabinet doors.

In the embodiment of FIG. 8, the speakers 40A are configured to faceforward and generally parallel to a top surface 527A of the hostrefrigeration appliance 522A, and in the embodiment of FIG. 9, thespeakers 40B are configured to face upward and generally parallel to afront surface 526B. Similar to the previous embodiments, the speakers40A, B can either be directly received into a chamber 570A,B formed intothe host refrigeration appliance 522A,B, or can be received in anadapter 550A,B that is mounted into the chamber. A speaker grill 546A,Bcan be placed over the chamber 570A,B or the adapter 550A,B.

Similar to the previous embodiments, the connection between the speakers40A, 40B and the CED 20 and/or the host refrigeration appliance 522A,Bcan be accomplished with any known data connection. Further, the CED 20can be located remotely to or within the host refrigeration appliance522A,B. Additionally, the speakers 40A, B can be used in conjunctionwith other devices, such as televisions and DVD players.

An alternate embodiment of speaker 40C is shown in FIG. 10. At least onespeaker 40C is placed either directly into a chamber 570C or into anadapter 550C that is located at a bottom portion 525C of the frontsurface 526C of a host refrigerator appliance 522C. Specifically, the atleast one speaker 40C is located at a toe plate 592C. The CED 20 can belocated in the host refrigeration appliance 522C, or can be locatedremotely from the host. Similar to the previous embodiments, theconnection between the speakers 40C and the CED 20 and/or hostrefrigeration appliance 522C can be accomplished with any known dataconnection. A speaker grill 546C can be placed over the chamber 570C orthe adapter 550C.

Another embodiment of speaker 40D is shown in FIG. 11. At least onespeaker 40D is placed either directly into a chamber 570D or into anadapter 550D that is configured to be received at bottom portion 525D ofa door 529D of a host refrigerator appliance 522D. It is contemplatedthat the consumer can interchange speakers 40D as desired. Further, theCED 20 can be located in the host refrigeration appliance 522D (eitherdirectly or through an adapter 550D), or can be located remotely fromthe host. A service interface 523D can also be located on the door 529Dof the host refrigeration appliance 522D. A speaker grill 546D can beplaced over the chamber 570D or the adapter 550D.

Referring now to FIG. 12, a further embodiment of speaker 40E is shown.At least one speaker 40E is located in an adapter 550E on a top surface527E of a host refrigeration appliance 522E. In the preferredembodiment, the adapter 550E is cradle-shaped having a docking structure542E for receiving the speaker 40E. At least a portion of the cradle isopen for ease of insertion and removal of the speaker 40E, as well asacoustical projection of audio.

The adapter 550E has a pivot structure 563E that allows the speaker 40Eto be pivoted into multiple orientations. In the preferred embodiment,the speaker 40E pivots with respect to the adapter 550E, however it iscontemplated that the entire adapter can pivot with respect to the topsurface 527E of the host refrigeration appliance 522E.

Being able to manipulate the orientation of the speaker 40E can allow aspeaker position that hides or makes the speaker less conspicuous,optimizes the sound, and/or directs the sound in an acousticallyadvantageous way. Further, manipulation of the speaker 40E can allow anorientation that is advantageous for exchanging one speaker for anotherinto the docking structure 542E, or for changing the connections to theadaptor. It is contemplated that the speaker 40E can be positionable ina fully stowed position within a chamber 570 in the top surface of thehost 22. Additionally, if the host refrigerator appliance 522E providesother services, it may be advantageous to move the speaker 40E out ofthe way.

As illustrated in FIG. 13, the host refrigerator appliance 522F caninclude speakers 40F of varying size and locations, and can includemultiple speakers. Preferably, the speakers are 40F are located on firstand second doors 529F, 530F at a height that will maximize acousticalprojection. Further, the speakers 40F can be mounted directly into achamber 570F or onto an adapter 550F that is mounted in a chamber. A CED20 can be mounted on the host refrigeration appliance 522F or can belocated remotely.

As shown in FIG. 14, the host refrigerator appliance 522G can include aCED 20 that operates a speaker 40G that is remotely located. Further,the speaker 40G can be stored directly in a chamber 570G on the hostrefrigerator appliance 522G or can be received in an adapter (not shown)that is placed into the chamber. Preferably, the speaker 40G isconnected via a wireless connection to a CED 20 mounted in the hostrefrigeration appliance 522G.

While the preceding description references the host appliance as a “hostrefrigeration appliance 22”, it should be appreciated that otherappliances can be used to host the consumer electronic device 20, suchas appliances that provide heating, cooling, cleaning, drying,refreshing, compressing, cooking, and dispensing. Referring to FIGS. 15and 16, a host microwave oven 622 and a host dishwasher 722 are shown.As described with respect to the host refrigeration appliance 22, boththe microwave and dishwasher hosts 622, 722 include a CED 20 and atleast one speaker 40 mounted either directly into a chamber 670, 770 ofthe host, or alternately, into an adapter 650, 750 that is received intothe chamber. Alternately, the CED 20 or the speaker 40 can be locatedremotely.

It is contemplated that, for all embodiments, the CED 20 can be readilyremovable and interchangeable. For example, a personal digital musicplayer can be removed from the host 22 (either the adapter 50 or thechamber 70) for use on the person. Then, when the user wants to listento music in the vicinity of the host appliance 22, the digital musicplayer can be inserted into host. Further, with universal connectors oradapters, different types of CEDs 20 can be interchanged with the hostappliance 22. For example, a satellite radio can be interchanged with adigital music player.

For every embodiment of adapter 150, it is contemplated that the dockingstructure 147 (or receiving structure 134 if the chamber 70 directlyreceives the CED without an adapter), can be adjustable orreconfigurable to receive different types of CEDs 20 having differentshapes or different connectors. Further, the adapter 50 (or chamber 70)can have more than one docking structure 147 (receiving structure 134).

Similarly, it is contemplated that, for all embodiments, the speakers 40can be readily removable and interchangeable. Further, the speaker 40can be used remotely from the host 22. It is also envisioned thatadditional speakers 40 can be used in conjunction with the speakerassociated with the host appliance 22, such as on an extended network.

In addition, for all embodiments it is contemplated that any known typeof audio/data connection can be used. The connections include, but arenot limited to an analog wired connection, a digital wired network, awireless data connection via a digital wired network, or an analog dataconnection. It is envisioned that voltage adapters that change AC to DCcurrent, or to step down the DC current can be used. Further, powerlimiting techniques can be employed to regulate the power to the CED 20.

In all embodiments with a speaker 40 mounted into either the chamber 70of the host or the compartment 154 in the adapter 150 (adapter chamber),the chamber/compartment 154 is configured for enhancing audio qualitygenerated by the speaker. In the chambers, the speaker 40 and itsassociated pressure fluctuations are preferably separated from the CED20 to maintain a stable environment for the CED, and preferablyseparated from the host appliance 50 to provide a robust acousticenvironment for the speaker 40. Additionally, the chamber/compartments70, 154 preferably prevent or minimize heat exchange between the hostappliance 22 and the CED 20 and/or the speaker 40.

It is contemplated that the acoustic chambers/compartments 70, 154 canbe designed specifically for each speaker 40. The configuration of eachchamber/compartment 70, 154 is preferably designed to take into accountthe power, size, and frequency of the speaker 40. It is envisioned thatthe speaker 40 can be enclosed or open to ambient air. It iscontemplated that the chamber 70, 154 can be made of plastic, such asstyrene.

Various features of a host appliance 22 having a consumer electronicdevice 20 and/or speakers 40 have been described which may beincorporated singly or in various combinations into a desired system.

As is apparent from the foregoing specification, the invention issusceptible of being embodied with various alterations and modificationswhich may differ particularly from those that have been described in thepreceding specification and description. It should be understood that wewish to embody within the scope of the patent warranted hereon all suchmodifications as reasonably and properly come within the scope of ourcontribution to the art.

1-31. (canceled)
 32. An audio network for an audio system, comprising:an appliance capable of conducting a useful cycle of operation on anobject unrelated to the delivery of sound media, comprising: an audionetwork capable of being placed in communication with a source of audio;an appliance main body; and a first interface electrically coupled tothe network wherein the interface is configured to removably couple witha speaker capable of rendering sound and to provide communicationbetween the speaker and the source of audio when the interface iscoupled to the speaker and when the audio network is in communicationwith a source of audio.
 33. The system of claim 32, further comprising asource of audio in communication with the audio network.
 34. The systemof claim 32, wherein the source of audio comprises a consumer electronicdevice.
 35. The system of claim of 34, further comprising a secondinterface for removably coupling with and adapter and communicating atleast one service with the adapter, wherein the adapter is configured toreceive a consumer electronic device and to communicate at least oneservice with the consumer electronic device.
 36. The system of claim of35, further comprising the adapter.
 37. The system of claim of 35,further comprising the consumer electronic device.
 38. The system ofclaim 35 wherein the at least one service is communication of audio. 39.The system of claim of 32, further comprising a second interface forcommunicating at least one service with an adapter removably coupled tothe service interface and configured to receive a consumer electronicdevice and to communicate at least one service with the source of audio.40. The system of claim 33 further comprising a second interface capableof removably connecting a source of audio the audio network.
 41. Thesystem of claim 40 wherein the main body further comprised a cabinet, anenclosure in the cabinet for selectively containing the object, and adoor movably mounted to the cabinet to selectively close thecompartment, wherein at least one of the first and second interfaces isassociated with the door.
 42. The system of claim 41 wherein the otherof the first and second interfaces is associated with the cabinet. 43.The system of claim 40 further comprising an adapter removably coupledwith at least one of the first and second interfaces, the adapter beingcapable of coupling at least one of the speaker and the source of audioto the audio network.
 44. The system of claim 43 wherein the adapter iscapable of being mounted to the main body.
 45. The system of claim 32wherein the audio network comprises at least one of audio wire, adigital wired network, a wireless network, and an analog dataconnection.
 46. The system of claim 32 further comprising a chamberconfigured to receive the speaker when the speaker coupled to the firstinterface.
 47. The system of claim 46 wherein the chamber is configuredto amplify the sound.
 48. The system of claim 47 wherein the chambercomprises the first interface.
 49. The system of claim 46 wherein thechamber is formed in the main body.
 50. The system of claim 46 furthercomprising an adapter capable of being removably coupled to the mainbody, the chamber being formed in the adapter.
 51. The system of claim32 wherein the useful cycle of operation is at least one of a washingcycle, a drying cycle, a heating cycle, a cooling cycle, a freezingcycle, and a dispensing cycle.
 52. An audio system, comprising: anappliance capable of conducting a useful cycle of operation on an objectunrelated to the delivery of sound media, the appliance being configuredfor receiving an audio signal from the at least one consumer ofelectronic device and forwarding the audio signal; and at least onespeaker located remotely from the consumer electronic device; the atleast one speaker configured for receiving the audio signal from theappliance.
 53. The audio network of claim 52 wherein the appliancefurther comprises a service interface to mechanically support the atleast one consumer electronic device.
 54. The audio network of claim 52wherein the appliance comprises a service interface to provide power tothe at least one consumer electronic device.
 55. The audio network ofclaim 52 wherein the audio network further comprises an adapter mountedto the appliance comprising a service interface capable of receiving theaudio signal from the at least one consumer electronic device andsending a second audio signal to the at least one speaker.
 56. The audionetwork of claim 52 further comprising a wireless transmitter capable ofwirelessly transmitting the audio signal from the appliance to thespeaker.
 57. The audio network of claim 52 further comprising a toeplate at the bottom of the appliance, the at least one speaker beinglocated at the toe plate.
 58. The audio network of claim 52 furthercomprising an adapter mounted to the appliance, the at least one speakerbeing located in the adapter.
 59. The audio network of claim 52 whereinthe appliance further comprises a service interface and an adapterremovably mounted to the service interface, wherein the adapter isconfigured for receiving the audio signal from the at least one consumerof electronic device and forwarding the audio signal.
 60. A refrigeratorappliance for use in conjunction with a source of sound mediacomprising: a cabinet; an interior in the cabinet for the refrigeratedstorage of food; an exterior of the cabinet having an exterior surface;at least a first interface generally on the exterior surface of thecabinet capable of coupling mechanically with a consumer electronicdevice producing an audio signal; at least a second interface generallyon the exterior of the cabinet capable of coupling mechanically with atleast one speaker; and a media transmission system capable of deliveringthe audio signal to the at least one speaker.
 61. The refrigerationappliance of claim 60 further comprising a door for access to theinterior of the cabinet wherein at least one of the first and the secondinterfaces are located on the door.
 62. The refrigeration appliance ofclaim 60 further comprising: an adapter mounted to the exterior surfaceof the cabinet and coupled to the at least a second interface; and adocking port in the adapter configured to receive the at least onespeaker.
 63. The refrigeration appliance of claim 60 further comprisinga network port connected to each of the first and the second interfacesto deliver the audio signal.
 64. The refrigerator appliance of claim 60further comprising an adapter mounted to the exterior of the cabinet,the adapter comprising a main body, the first interface, the secondinterface and the media transmission system.
 65. The refrigerationappliance of claim 60 further comprising: an adapter mounted to theexterior surface of the cabinet and coupled to the at least a firstinterface; and a docking port in the adapter configured to alternativelyreceive a plurality of different consumer electronic devices, at leastone of which produces an audio signal.